Is Kroger Gas Top Tier? (State Availability & Costs)

Grocery stores in the U.S. such as Kroger, Safeway, and Costco have diversified their portfolio by opening gas stations. This has made life easier for their customers while increasing revenue for the stores.

However, the gas quality varies, with some offering top-tier gas and others, lower-quality gas.

As a consumer, you may wonder if Kroger’s gas is top-tier. Is it top quality, and should you spend your money on it?

Read on;

Is Kroger Gas Top Tier?

No, Kroger gas is not Top Tier but is of good quality. This is because it receives its gas from multiple suppliers; hence, its quality varies.

Several factors determine gas quality. These include:

  • Detergent Additives-This is the best measure to use. The higher the additives, the lower the gas quality.
  • Octane Number-It is a measure of the gas’ ability to resist auto-ignition. Usually, gas is measured as regular, plus, or premium based on the octane number. It is recommended to use regular-grade gasoline.
kroger_gas
Kipp Teague via Flickr

What Exactly is a Top Tier Gas?

Top Tier gas meets a higher quality standard than the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) requires. 

It was developed in 2004 by the following automakers: Audi, Chrysler, BMW, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, General Motors, and Volkswagen. The main goal was to preserve the car engine’s original performance and emissions over time.

Top Tier gas has numerous benefits:

  • According to a 2016 study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA), Top Tier gas reduced the intake valve deposits by 19 factors compared to regular gas.
  • It lowers the probability of maintenance issues.
  • It increases engine performance.
  • It lowers carbon deposits on intake valves by 45%-72% over 5000 miles of driving.

However, Top Tier gas costs more than regular gas per gallon on average, but it is worth the money.

There are over 50 gas retailers that sell Top Tier gas. They include 76, ARCO, Aloha, Beacon, Breakaway, CIRGO, Cenex, Chevron, Conoco, Costo Wholesale, CountryMark, CountryMark PLUS, Diamond Shamrock, Express Mart, Mobil, Holiday, Kwik Trip, KwikStar, Phillips 66, Road Ranger, Shell, Sinclair, Texaco, Value America, and Win Win, among others.

Where Does Kroger Gas Come From?

Kroger has multiple gas suppliers, and some of them are Top Tier, while some are not.

Kroger stores accept bids from major oil companies for gas supply contracts each year. They then choose their supplier based on numerous factors such as location, quality of service, and price. The contracts are awarded yearly, which may be renewed or changed at the end of the period.

There are many suppliers throughout the U.S.; making it difficult to determine if your local Kroger has high-quality gas. However, by knowing the supplier, you will know whether the gas is Top Tier.

Some of the Top Tier gas suppliers include Shell, BP, and Exxon.

Are Kroger and Shell Gas the Same?

No, they are not.

Kroger and Shell are separate entities with different business strategies, and the only similarity is that they source their fuel from the same supplier.

Most Kroger Stations source their gas from Shell, and some of these locations take part in the fuel rewards program.

Kroger card members get to earn and redeem fuel points at Shell locations. This collaboration ensures that Kroger customers can redeem 100 fuel points and save 10¢ per gallon, with a maximum of 35 gallons per purchase.

Visit your local Kroger store or www.kroger.com/fuel for more information on participating locations and terms and conditions.

What Kind Of Gas Does Kroger Use?

When Kroger gets its gas from Shell, it is ethanol-free. However, some customers have noted that Kroger gas has 10% ethanol provided on the state-mandated stickers at the station.

This shows that Kroger gas ethanol levels vary per station, depending on the gas supplier.

Customers can find the ethanol concentration on the sticker taps on the gas station in some locations. They can also get this information from the customer service department at Kroger at the store or by calling 1(800)576-4377.

How Much is Kroger Gas?

Kroger gas prices vary from one location to another based on the supplier.

Currently, gas prices have plummeted due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has caused oil prices to go to an all-time high of  $4.3 per gallon.

However, Kroger gas is still relatively cheaper than other gas stations, especially when using their Fuel Points Rewards Program.

Below is an estimated price range of Kroger gas in Houston.

Gas Type Price Range
Regular $3.75
Midgrade $4.00
Premium $4.25
Diesel $4.79

How To Buy Kroger Gas

You can find the nearest Kroger gas station near you using the store locator on the company website or app.

It also has third-party stores where you can buy Kroger gas. They include:

  • Baker’s
  • City Market
  • Jay C
  • King Soopers
  • Owen’s
  • Pay Less
  • Pick N’ Save
  • Fry’s
  • Foods Co.
  • Dillons
  • Food4Less
  • Fred Meyer
  • Gerbes
  • Harris Teeter
  • Mariano’s
  • Smith’s
  • Copps
  • Ralphs
  • QFC
  • Metro Market

Below states have Kroger gas stations.

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi
  • Tennessee
  • Ohio
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

Does Kroger Have A Gas Card?

You need a Kroger Gas Card to access Fuel Points. It is free to register. You will get points with every purchase made, excluding alcohol, milk products, and tobacco in some states.

You have until the end of the calendar month following the month you made purchases to redeem your fuel points. For example, if you spent $150 in September, you have until the end of October to use your fuel reward.

Scan the Kroger Card at the pump and pay using your debit or credit card. You will then receive a discount for each gallon of gas purchased.

Getting Discounts with Kroger Fuel Points

The Kroger Fuel Points program is a loyalty program that helps you save from 10 cents to $1 off per gallon each time you get gas.

The Shopper’s card will help you earn fuel points in the following ways:

  • You get 1 point for every $1 spent on groceries.
  • You earn two times the fuel points on gift cards. You may also get up to 4x fuel points during promotions.
  • You also get 25 points on qualifying non-federally funded prescriptions.

You need a minimum of 100 fuel points before you start redeeming. There is also a 35-gallon maximum per fuel purchase.

You can redeem your fuel points at the Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers and participating Shell locations.

Is Kroger Gas Open 24/7?

Most gas stations open at around 6 am and close by 10 pm.

However, some Kroger gas stations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using pay at the pump.

You can use the fuel center locator on the Kroger website to check your local store’s operating hours.

FAQs

Can you use a Kroger gift card at a Shell gas station?

Kroger physical gift cards are accepted at Shell gas stations.

Do all Shell gas stations accept Kroger cards?

Not all Shell gas stations accept Kroger cards. Only participating Shell stations do.

Do you need a membership for Kroger gas?

Yes, you need to be a Kroger Card member to access Kroger gas services. Kroger’s Loyalty program members are eligible for a $1 per gallon discount if they save $1000 points.

Can you use a Kroger debit card for gas?

Yes. You need to scan your Kroger Plus card at the pump and ensure that it has accepted the card number.

Next, insert your debit card for the gas payment to be deducted.

Does Kroger provide ethanol-free gas?

Yes, it does, as long as it is sourced from Shell gas stations.

Is Kroger gas expensive?

Kroger is one of the cheapest gas stations in the market. Even with the rise in fuel prices, it remains competitive.

Kroger offers 4x fuel points on Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards up to $100 on select weekends, which helps lower gas costs. You also get two fuel points per dollar spent on gift cards and one fuel point on groceries which will help slash your gas charges.

Conclusion.

Kroger gas is not Top Tier gas, as it changes its suppliers annually. However, it sources most of its gas from Shell, a Top-tier gas company. It is pretty affordable, and its discounts and rewards make it worth your money. Use Kroger gas today, and let us know your experience.

1 Comment

  1. Why does my gas level drop so quickly right after I purchase it? I will leave the store and it will say I have enough gas for 200 miles – by the time I get home it will be at 160 miles. I live 20 minutes away.
    This does not happen if I buy gas anywhere else

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